This is the 253rd Engineer Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), more commonly referred to as a unit crest.” The Institute of Heraldry has no publicly listed information regarding when the insignia was originally approved, any redesignations it might have received, or the symbolism embodied in the design and colors.
IGNI FERROQUE, Latin for “Fire And Iron,” is the unit motto, an obvious reference to the fires of an iron forge and most likely an allusion to the unit being hardened in the fire of battle, as displayed in the image of an anvil in the center of a flame. The embattled wall behind the flames is an image commonly used in the heraldry of Engineer units to denote its Construction mission and capabilities, while the star atop the embattlement and rays of sunlight behind it are taken directly from the state flag of Arizona.
The 253rd Engineer Battalion’s most recent deployment was from March 2019 to January 2020 in the Middle East, where it served as a headquarters and forward support element for U.S. Armed Forces across U.S. Central Command’s area of operations (the Battalion’s exact location was not made public).
We encourage anyone with information on the history of the 253rd Engineer Battalion or on the symbolism of its unit crest
to contact us so that we can share it that information with other customers who are interested in the Battalion.
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, the Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."